India Italy Technology Summit

Pakistan SC acquits Asia Bibi 

The Supreme Court of Pakistan today  acquitted Asia Bibi, a Christian woman sentenced to death over blasphemy allegations, and ordered her immediate release.

Pakistan SC acquits jailed Christian mother but acquitted after eight years. Still  threats of violent nationwide protests persist.
Bibi’s husband Ashiq Masih and their two daughters, currently in London, anxiously await her safe release and reunion with her after eight years of wrongful detention.

Asiya Bibi was convicted in 2010 after being accused of insulting Islam in a row with her neighbours. She always maintained her innocence, but has spent most of the past eight years in solitary confinement.
A three-judge special bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Mian Saqib Nisar and comprising Justice Asif Saeed Khosa and Justice Mazhar Alam Khan Miankhel heard Bibi's 2014 appeal against her conviction and death sentence under section 295-C of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC).
The chief justice wrote that it was a “well settled principal of law that the one who makes an assertion has to prove it. Thus, the onus rests on the prosecution to prove guilt of the accused beyond reasonable doubt throughout the trial. Presumption of innocence remains throughout the case until such time the prosecution on the evidence satisfies the court beyond reasonable doubt that the accused is guilty of the offence alleged against him.”
The top judge added that the expression "proof beyond reasonable doubt" was of fundamental importance to the criminal justice and was one of the principles which sought to ensure that no innocent person was convicted.

CJP Nisar added, "Keeping in mind the evidence produced by the prosecution against the alleged blasphemy committed by the appellant, the prosecution has categorically failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt. The judgments of the High Court as well as the Trial Court are reversed. Consequently, the conviction as also the sentence of death awarded to the appellant is set aside and she is acquitted of the charge. She be released from jail forthwith, if not required in any other criminal case."

Further, Justice Khosa "because of some important legal and factual issues involved in the case" decided to record his separate concurring opinion which stated that the prosecution had failed to prove its case against Asia Bibi beyond a reasonable doubt. “This appeal is, therefore, allowed, the conviction and sentence of the appellant recorded and upheld by the courts below are set aside and she is acquitted of the charge by extending the benefit of doubt to her," he stated.

Justice Khosa’s opinion added, "Blasphemy is a serious offence but the insult of the appellant’s religion and religious sensibilities by the complainant party and then mixing truth with falsehood in the name of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) was also not short of being blasphemous."

"It is ironical that in the Arabic language the appellant’s name Asia means ‘sinful’ but in the circumstances of the present case she appears to be a person, in the words of Shakespeare’s King Leare, “more sinned against than sinning," Justice Khosa's opinion read.

October 26, 2018

Dear Mr Sagar,

INVITATION

Sectoral session on

Universal Healthcare in Odisha- each life matters

Make in Odisha Conclave 2018

13-11-2018 |10:30-12:30 Hrs. | Janta Maidan, Bhubaneswar, Odisha

The Government of Odisha is organising the Make in Odisha Conclave 2018, a biennial global investors’ conclave during 11th - 15th November 2018 at Bhubaneswar. A sectoral session on Healthcare is being organised on 13th November during 10:30 – 12:30 Hrs to showcase the achievements of the State in the healthcare sector and opportunities for the private sector in the value chain. The Conclave is being organised with the support of Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).

The broad theme of the workshop is ‘Universal Healthcare in Odisha- Each Life Matters’, with an opening session wherein the achievements of the State in the healthcare sector and opportunities shall be showcased. The Vision document of the state on healthcare shall be unveiled by Hon’ble Minister Health & Family Welfare, Odisha. The second session would be a panel discussion on “Partnerships on Universal Healthcare in Odisha- Opportunities Unfolded” during which senior industry leaders would share their experiences in provisioning services in the Healthcare value chain. Besides, the investment opportunities offered by the State in healthcare sector shall also be presented.

Representatives from the healthcare industry, policy makers, investors, service providers involved across the value chain of Healthcare sector shall participate and this could be a good opportunity for interaction. On behalf of the State of Odisha, I extend this invitation to you for joining the Sectoral Session on Healthcare during the Make in Odisha Conclave. A broad outline of the session is enclosed.

You may register your participation on the Make in Odisha portal www.mio.investodisha.gov.in.  After you register, kindly share a line of confirmation at healthservices@ficci.com.

We look forward to your participation in the healthcare

Best regards,
Shobha

Shobha Mishra Ghosh
Asst. Secretary General
FICCI
Industry’s Voice for Policy Change
Federation House, Tansen Marg, New Delhi 110 001
T: +91-11-2348 7445
F: +91-11-2332 0714
W: www.ficci.com

Rahul Gandhi courts arrest

Write a comment

October 26, 2018

---

14:29  Rahul Gandhi courts arrest :  Congress President Rahul Gandhi Friday courted arrest after staging a protest outside the CBI headquarters in Delhi against the move to divest CBI Director Alok Verma of his powers and send him on leave.


Earlier addressing the gathering Gandhi attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the issue. He also accused him of destroying institutions including the CBI, the Election Commission and the Enforcement Directorate. Senior Congress leaders, including Ashok Gehlot, Ahmed Patel, Motilal Vora, Veerappa Moily and Anand Sharma, took part in the march that culminated in a demonstration ahead of the CBI headquarters.


Loktantrik Janata Dal leader Sharad Yadav, CPI leader D Raja and TMC's Nadimul Haque joined the protest.


The Congress' protests in the national capital were replicated in other parts of the country. State Congress leaders led demonstrations in their regions against what the Congress described as the "illegal, unconstitutional and illegitimate removal of the CBI director by the Modi-Shah duo".


The apex court said former Supreme Court judge AK Patnaik will oversee a CVC inquiry into the allegations against Verma and the report has to be placed before it within two weeks. It directed that interim CBI chief M Nageswara Rao shall not take any major policy decisions. Decisions taken by him since October 23 till date shall not be implemented, it said. All decisions taken by Rao shall be placed before the apex court in a sealed cover. -- PTI


Image: Congress president Rahul Gandhi inside a police van near the CBI HQ in Delhi. 

Hungarian Film Days

Dear Friends,

We are pleased to invite you for the Hungarian Film Days which will take place in various venues in Delhi. Please find attached the invite for the same. 

With kind regards,

-----------------------------------

HARLEEN AHLUWALIA

Senior PR & Marketing Officer

Hungarian Information and Cultural Centre,
Embassy of Hungary, New Delhi 

2/50 M, Niti Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110 021

Tel: +91 11 2688 1135

Mob: +91 98100 40261

DCS 2018 is the truly multilateral summit of its kind in South Asia! Register Now!

September 2018 fiscal deficit stands at 95.3 % of actuals to BEs

The gross fiscal deficit of the Central government stands at 95.3% of the actuals to budget estimates (BEs) at the end of September 2018 as compared to 91.3% of the actuals to budget estimates in the corresponding period of the previous year. The primary deficit was registered at 699.9% of the actuals to budget estimates at the end of September 2018 as compared to 1164.7% of the actuals to budget estimates during corresponding period of the previous year. Differentials in use of fiscal deficit space at the end of September 2018 vis-à-vis September 2017 (in%)           Source: PHD Research Bureau, compiled from Government of India accounts, Government of India Note: The Fiscal deficit data pertains to the end of the respective month * indicates data at the end of respective financial year and are % of actuals to revised estimates          The revenue receipts at the end of September 2018 of the central government stands at 40.1% of the actuals to budget estimates as compared with 41.1% of the actuals to budget estimates at the end of September 2017. Fiscal position for September 2018 vis-à-vis September 2017 Month % of Actuals to Budget EstimatesFY2019* % of Actuals to Budget EstimatesFY2018* % of Actuals to Budget Estimates FY2017* % of Actuals to Budget Estimates FY2016* April 24.3 37.6 25.7 23 May 55.3 68.3 42.9 37.5 June 68.7 80.8 61.1 51.6 July 86.5 92.4 73.7 69.3 August 94.7 96.1 76.4 66.5 September 95.3 91.3 83.9 68.1 October 96.1 79.3 74 November 112 85.8 87 December 113.6 93.9 87.9 January 113.7 105.7 95.8 February 120.23 113.4 107.1 March 99.5 100.1 99.5                                  Source: PHD Research Bureau, compiled from Union Government Accounts, Government of India  Note: * Data pertains to the end of the respective month. *indicates data at the end of respective financial year and are % of actuals to revised estimates The government’s market borrowing stands at 86% of the actuals to budget estimates at the end of September 2018 as compared with 109% of the actuals to budget estimates at the end of September 2017. The domestic financing stands at 96% of the actuals to budget estimates at the end of September 2018 as compared to 93% of the actuals to budget estimates at the end of September 2017. The external financing of the government stands at 281% of the actuals to budget estimates at the end of September 2018 as against 34% of the actuals to budget estimates at the end of September 2017. The total financing of the central government stands at 95% of the actuals to budget estimates at the end of September 2018 as against 91% of the actuals to budget estimates at the end of September 2017. Sources of financing the deficit                                                                     (%)                              Source: PHD Research Bureau, compiled from Union Government Accounts

Recent Sagar media Inc news ON You tubes youtube.com/user/Sagar31Ne… sagarmediainc.com youtube.com/channel/UCEvNC…

Recent Sagar media Inc news ON You tubes https://www.youtube.com/user/Sagar31News/videos … https://sagarmediainc.com/  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEvNCaRGDa1Y8Q0R0sYNaqw …

Putin,al-Sisi inks co-operation treaty

Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Egyptian counterpart Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi have signed a strategic co-operation treaty. The treaty, designed to increase trade, military and other ties, was signed by the two leaders in Sochi yesterday.

Mr al-Sisi, who was completing a three-day visit to Russia, hailed his talks with Mr Putin and termed the agreement as a new chapter in the history of the countries’ bilateral relations.

Mr Putin said the talks encompassed the whole spectrum of bilateral relations as well as key international and regional problems. He said he and the Egyptian President discussed expanding arms trade and military ties. Two nation look for the creation of a free trade zone between #Egypt and Eurasian Economic Union.

Bhutan goes for General elections

 

Bhutan goes for General elections are being held today

DD NewsIn Bhutan, third general elections are being held today. Polling for 47 seats of National Assembly, the lower house of Parliament, will start at 9 am local time. Elaborate arrangements have been made for free, fair and peaceful elections.

The Election Commission has deputed over 5,300 officials in 865 polling stations across the country. Out of four lakh 38,000 registered voters, more than three lakh are expected to exercise their franchise through EVMs today.

Over one lakh 2,000 voters had opted for Postal Ballot Facilitation Booths. Around 83 percent of them had already casted their votes during postal polling held last week. There is a straight contest between Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa (DNT) and Druk Phuensum Tshogpa (DPT) parties in third parliamentary elections. The voters will seal the fate of total 94 candidates, 47 each from both the parties.

Polling will start at 9 am local time and continue till 5 in the evening. The Election Commission of Bhutan has deputed over five thousand three hundred officials in 865 polling stations across the country. Out of four lakh thirty eight thousand registered voters, more than three lakhs are expected to exercise their franchise through EVMs today. Over one lakh two thousand voters had opted for Postal Ballot Facilitation Booths.

Around 83 percent of them had already casted their votes during postal polling held last week. There is a straight contest between Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa (DNT) and Druk Phuensum Tshogpa (DPT) parties in third parliamentary elections. The voters will seal the fate of total 94 candidates, 47 each from both the parties.

ASEM summit begins in Brussels

12th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) summit begins in Brussels today. Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu, who reached the Belgian capital last night, will lead the Indian delegation at the two-day summit.

The theme this year is, ‘Global Partners for Global Challenges’. The summit will prioritise issues related to connectivity, trade and investment, sustainable development, climate change, terrorism, migration, maritime security and cyberspace.

The meeting will bring together Heads of state of 30 European and 21 Asian countries, besides top representatives of the European Union and Secretary General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Apart from the opening ceremony, Mr Naidu will participate in the plenary session of the summit and have interactions with various stakeholders. He will also have bilateral meetings with the Heads of State of various countries on the sidelines of the summit.

On the first day, Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu is scheduled to hold one to one meeting with the King of Belgians King Phillipe at Presidential Palace in Brussels (at noon time). Shri Naidu is likely to discuss the bilateral matters and issues of mutual interest and cooperation.

He is likely to seek more cooperation to strengthen bilateral relations and also to deal with the global challenges through Asia Europe Meeting (ASEM) platform. Shri Naidu is scheduled to arrive at Europa Building for Opening Ceremony of ASEM Summit on Thursday evening (around 1925 hrs). This will be followed by his participation in the Special Session with the stakeholders.

During his stay, the Vice President will also hold a meeting with prominent Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) and CEOs of Belgium. He will address the Indian Diaspora at the Jain Culture Centre in Wilrijk, Antwerp. Mr Naidu will also pay floral tributes at the monument of Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi located at the Governorate of Antwerp.

SAIL Excellence in Cost Management

Shri Piyush Goyal @PiyushGoyal Minister of Railways presenting to Anil Kumar Chaudhary, Chairman SAIL the National Awards for Excellence in Cost Managementfor 1st Place in the category Public – Manufacturing – Mega on behalf of The Institute of Cost Accountants of India

सेल नेशनल अवार्ड फॉर एक्सिलेन्स इन कॉस्ट मैनेजमेंट से सम्मानित

सेल अध्यक्ष श्री अनिल कुमार चौधरी ने केंद्रीय रेल मंत्री श्री पीयूष गोयल से ग्रहण किया पुरस्कार

नई दिल्ली, 17 अक्टूबर, 2018: स्टील अथॉरिटी ऑफ इंडिया लिमिटेड (सेल) को नेशनल अवार्ड फॉर एक्सिलेन्स इन कॉस्ट मैनेजमेंट (राष्ट्रीय लागत प्रबंधन उत्कृष्टता पुरस्कार) के प्रथम पुरस्कार से सम्मानित किया गया है। सेल को यह पुरस्कार द इंस्टीट्यूट ऑफ कॉस्ट अकाउंटेंट्स ऑफ इंडिया द्वारा बड़े सार्वजनिक उत्पादक वर्ग में प्रदान किया गया है। सेल अध्यक्ष श्री अनिल कुमार चौधरी ने यह पुरस्कार को माननीय केंद्रीय रेलमंत्री श्री पीयूष गोयल से नई दिल्ली में 16 अक्टूबर, 2018 को आयोजित 15वें नेशनल अवार्ड फॉर एक्सिलेन्स इन कॉस्ट मैनेजमेंट – 2107 के दौरान ग्रहण किया। सेल आज के प्रतिस्पर्धी माहौल में अपने उत्पादन और वित्तीय निष्पादन को बेहतर करने की दिशा में लगातार सर्वोत्तम लागत प्रबंधन प्रक्रियाओं का पालन कर रहा है। इस पुरस्कार के निर्णायक मण्डल में ख्यातिनाम व्यक्तिव शामिल थे।

Italian Coast Guard rescues migrants and refugees bound for Italy.

UNHCR and IOM appeal to European leaders to tackle Mediterranean deaths

Ahead of this week’s meeting of European Union (EU) Heads of State and Government, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and IOM, the UN Migration Agency, are together appealing to European leaders to urgently take steps to address this year’s record rate of drownings on the Mediterranean Sea.
The leaders of the two organizations warn that political discourse concerning refugees and migrants, particularly those arriving by boat, has become dangerously toxic in some countries, even at a time when arrivals to Europe are declining. This narrative is stoking unnecessary fears, making it harder for countries to work together and blocking progress towards solutions.
“The current tenor of the political debate – painting a picture of Europe under siege – is not only unhelpful but completely out of touch with reality,” said UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi. “Arrival numbers are falling but the rate at which people are losing their lives is on the rise. We cannot forget that we are talking about human lives. Debate is welcome – scapegoating refugees and migrants for political gain is not.”
“Perilous irregular migration is in no one’s interest. Together we must invest more in regular migration, enhanced mobility and integration to foster growth and development that benefits both sides of the Mediterranean,” said IOM Director General Antonio Vitorino.
With more than 1,700 lives lost since the start of 2018, the rate at which people are drowning while trying to cross the Mediterranean has risen sharply this year. In September alone, one person died or went missing for every 8 people who crossed to Europe on the Central Mediterranean, in large part due to reduced search and rescue capacity.

In addition to the need to enhance search and rescue capacity, UNHCR and IOM have proposed a workable regional arrangement that would make disembarkation and processing predictable and swift.
UNHCR and IOM urge European leaders to focus this week’s discussions on the practical solutions that are urgently needed and ensuring responsibilities are properly being shared among European States. At the same time we welcome strides taken to date by some EU Member States towards responsibility-sharing in search and rescue and post-disembarkation solutions for refugees and migrants.
UNHCR and IOM meanwhile also remind European leaders to remain focused on the implementation of the priorities already agreed earlier in the Valetta Political Declaration and Plan of Action, where States expressed profound solidarity in addressing the root causes of displacement and irregular migration, while supporting countries who receive large numbers of refugees and migrants.
Greater and more effective support from EU leaders is also needed for developing long-term structural solutions, which foster conditions in countries of origin and transit that provide opportunities for people to live in dignity.

Italian Coast Guard rescues migrants and refugees bound for Italy. © IOM/Francesco Malavolta
Media contacts
In Geneva: Charlie Yaxley, UNHCR – yaxley@unhcr.org , +41 79 580 8702
In Brussels: Melissa Julian, IOM – mjulian@iom.int, +32 2 287 71 33/ +32 473 28 11 65

Maeve Patterson, UNHCR – patterso@unhcr.org, +32 470 99 54 35